Amifostine
Trade Name:
Ethyol
Type of Drug:
Amifostine belongs to the general group of drugs known as cytoprotective agents. It is used to prevent side effects, such as kidney damage, from platinum compounds. It is also used to protect the mouth, skin, bladder, and pelvic structures against radiation reactions.
How Drug Works:
Amifostine neutralizes the platinum in normal, noncancerous tissues so that DNA and RNA are not damaged. It protects the kidneys from damage by platinum chemotherapy. It also appears to protect the nervous system; it may protect the bone marrow; and it offers some protection from radiation therapy.
How Drug Is Given:
The day before treatment you will be asked to stop any blood pressure medicines you are taking. You will get an antinausea medicine, and amifostine will be given as a 15-minute injection into your vein about 30 minutes before your chemotherapy or radiation treatment. If you get low blood pressure during the treatment, you will be asked to lie flat on your back and get fluids through the vein to bring the pressure back up. This drug can be given at different strengths depending on the type of cancer being treated. Dosage may vary depending on your weight and your type of cancer.
Read the following information. If you do not understand it or if any of it causes you special concern, check with your doctor.

Before taking this drug, tell your doctor:

  • If you are trying to become pregnant, are pregnant, or breastfeeding. This drug may cause birth defects if either the male or female is taking it at the time of conception or during pregnancy. Men and women who are taking this drug need to use some kind of birth control. However, do not use oral contraceptives (“the pill”) without checking with your doctor.

  • If you think you may want to have children in the future. Many chemotherapy drugs can cause sterility.

  • If you have any of the following medical problems: chickenpox or exposure to chickenpox, gout, heart disease, congestive heart failure, shingles, kidney stones, liver disease, or other forms of cancer.

  • If you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter drugs, including vitamins and herbals.

Should I avoid any other medicines, foods, alcohol, and/or activities?
Your prescription and nonprescription medicines may interact with other drugs, causing harm. Certain foods or alcohol can also interact with drug products. Never begin taking a new medicine—prescription or nonprescription—without asking your doctor or nurse if it will interact with alcohol, food, or other medicines. Some drug products can cause drowsiness and affect activities such as driving.
Precautions:
Amifostine can cause severe nausea and vomiting. Ask your doctor or nurse to give you medicines to prevent this or lessen it.
Amifostine can cause a decrease in blood pressure during treatment. Tell your doctor if you are taking any medicine for high blood pressure. Your blood pressure medicine will be stopped before you start amifostine. During the treatment, your blood pressure will be checked frequently. The drug will be stopped if your blood pressure falls.
Tell all the doctors, dentists, and pharmacists you visit that you are taking this drug.
  • Most of the following side effects probably will not occur.
  • Your doctor or nurse will want to discuss specific care instructions with you.
  • They can help you understand these side effects and help you deal with them.
Side Effects:
More Common Side Effects
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Low blood pressure
Less Common Side Effects
  • Facial flushing
  • Chills
  • Sneezing
  • Hiccups
  • Sleepiness
Rare Side Effects
  • Decreased calcium in the blood
Other side effects not listed above can also occur in some patients. Tell your doctor or nurse if you develop any problems.
FDA Approval: This drug is approved for cancer treatment.